Dengue Fever in Thailand (Update)
21 Mar 2013
As of 17 March 2013, 13 000 cases of dengue fever have been reported countrywide during the first three months of 2013. This is four times higher than in 2012.
Many children younger than 14 years of age have reportedly died from dengue fever. The majority of deaths were reported from Songkhla (5) and Nakhon Si Thammarat (2). At least one death has been reported in Bangkok, Samut Prakarn, Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Rayong, Pattani and Yala.
Advice for Travellers
Thailand is a popular tourist destination and travellers should be aware of the risk of dengue fever. Avoidance of mosquito bites, particularly during daylight hours, by covering up with clothing, the use of bite avoidance measures such as repellent and bed nets is advised. Elimination of breeding sites around hotel rooms/houses is advised for longer term stays.